Astronomy

Telescope Tales: The UM-Dearborn Observatory Unmasked (Part II)

Eric J. Rasmussen* and Donald J. Bord

Department of Natural Sciences

University of Michigan-Dearborn

*and Department of Physics & Earth Sciences, Henry Ford Community College

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Abstract: The installation of the 0.4-meter (16-inch) diameter Ritchey-Chrétien telescope in the observatory on the UM-Dearborn campus in April 2007 marked a major step toward our goal of providing meaningful opportunities for our students and those at our coordinating institution, Henry Ford Community College, to engage in study and research in astronomy using professional grade software and instrumentation. But the path from installation to full functionality, like that of the design and construction of the observatory complex itself, was fraught with its own set of surprises and challenges. Here we discuss some of the problems that beset us during the initial commissioning phase of telescope set-up and the means that were employed to overcome them. We then describe the impact that the completion of the new observatory facilities has had on the manner in which astronomy is now (and will be) taught at UM-D and HFCC. We highlight particularly the development of some new laboratory activities at both the introductory and advanced levels, a new astronomy minor program at UM-D, and an expanded program of public events co-sponsored by our two institutions. While perhaps not unique or widely transportable, we conclude that this model of collaboration between 4-year and 2-year schools of higher education is nonetheless worthy of emulation where possible for its effective use of increasingly scarce resources and for the mutual intellectual and personal benefits it affords the participants.

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I. IntroductionIntroduction

- Project ImpactProject Impact: on the collaborating institutions, our community and beyond.

- April 2007 April 2007: 0.4-meter (16-in.) Richey-Chrétien telescope installed at UM-Dearborn observatory.- Here we spin the tale of the commissioning, inaugural use, and future plans and promise of the telescope & observatory.- The Bumpy Road to FunctionalityThe Bumpy Road to Functionality: pointing, tracking, vibrations, seeing – and all that jazz.

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II. Commissioning Phase: “First Night(s) Commissioning Phase: “First Night(s) Blues”Blues”- Alignment & Alignment &

CollimationCollimation

The “Pointing Model”

RMS Error: <20”

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N

E

Tracking Error: ~0.7”/min

~15”

Δt~22min

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- Vibration Issues & Their SolutionVibration Issues & Their Solution

~1’

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The “Penthouse”

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- Thermal Issues: Seeing Thermal Issues: Seeing Matters!Matters!

5 sec exposures: (a) Lab door closed; (b) Lab door open.

(a) (b)

~17”

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III. Full Functionality AchievedFull Functionality Achieved

- The Introductory LabsThe Introductory LabsP131 Science Learning Center Module

The Sky: An Interactive Tutorial

Purpose

 This module is designed to provide you with a basic introduction to The Sky, the software package in use at the UM-D observatory for displaying the local sky, identifying celestial objects of interest, and controlling the telescope. Not every function or feature of this software will be explained or exploited in this short module, but some of the most important ones that you will need to successfully complete your outdoor observing assignments will be covered. You are welcome, indeed encouraged, to explore some of the other provisions of this package as you have time and interest. Feel free to return to the SLC and investigate The Sky in greater detail after you’ve satisfied the minimum requirements for P131. Good luck and have fun!

P131 Observing Program

Fall 2007 

Purpose: This exercise will help develop students’ skill and confidence in locating and identifying bright stars, constellations, planets, and selected non-stellar objects present in the night sky with their unaided eyes and/or with small telescopes.

Instructions: The table below includes four categories of celestial objects. In each case, several examples are given of specific objects that can be observed in the night sky during the Fall season (September – December). Your challenge is to locate and identify at least two(2) objects in each class and then to examine them with the 20-cm telescopes provided for your use on the rooftop area outside the observatory.

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Stars Constellations Non-Stellar

Solar System

       

Alberio Andromeda M13 Moon

Alpheratz Auriga M15 Jupiter

Altair Cassiopeia M27 Uranus

Capella Cepheus M29 Neptune

Deneb Cygnus M31  

Mizar/Alcor

Hercules M33  

Polaris Lyra M45  

Vega Pegasus M57  

  Perseus M81  

  Ursa Minor    

  Ursa Major    

 

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- The Advanced Lab & Independent The Advanced Lab & Independent ProjectsProjectsCCD Characterization CCD Characterization

LabLabPhotometric Studies Photometric Studies of Open Clusters, of Open Clusters, Variable CP Stars, Variable CP Stars, Near-Earth Near-Earth Asteroids, etc. Asteroids, etc.

M67M67

SBIG ST-8MXE Linearity y = 1168.6x + 445.35

R2 = 0.9986

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Time (seconds)

Cou

nts

(AD

U)

Read Noise: 21 electrons/pixel

Dark Current: <1 e/pixel/sec

Gain: 2.6 electrons/ADU

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- Public Programming & Special Public Programming & Special EventsEventsComet Comet HolmesHolmes

Lunar Lunar EclipseEclipse

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- Seasonal Seasonal ScheduleSchedule

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IV. Plans and PromisePlans and Promise

- Earth and Sky: The EIC Earth and Sky: The EIC ConnectionConnection

+

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- UM-Dearborn Astronomy MinorUM-Dearborn Astronomy MinorAstronomy Minor Program Requirements Pre-requisites: ASTR 130 and ASTR 131 4 hours  (formerly PHYS 130 and PHYS 131)  

Requirements: Twelve(12) additional hours of course 12 hours   work at the 300+ - level to include  PHYS 305

and a choice of any three(3) of the following six(6) courses: 

ASTR 361 Observational Techniques (new course: 2h lecture + 3h lab.)  

ASTR 380 Advanced Astronomy (new course: 3h lecture.)

ASTR 390/490 Topics in Astronomy

ASTR/GEOL 407/507 Planetary Geology (new course: 3h lecture.)

ASTR/PHYS 421 Stellar Astrophysics (revision of existing course: 3h lecture.

ASTR/PHYS 440 Galaxies and Cosmology (new course: 3h lecture.)

ASTR 495, 498 and/or 499 Independent Study/Research Courses (new courses: 1 –3h laboratory and/or discussion.)

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- SLRC Floor Mosaic ProjectSLRC Floor Mosaic Project

M82: Star-M82: Star-burst Galaxy burst Galaxy in Ursa in Ursa MajorMajor

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V. FinishFinish• Commissioning: Four months to vibration-free operation characterized by excellent pointing accuracy, good tracking and adequate seeing.

• Impact: New student labs and independent study options; enhanced public outreach programming; expanded professional development opportunities.

• Future Plans: Course/curriculum development (e.g.,new astronomy minor); Astronomy as art (SLRC floor mosaic project).

• A Model Worth Emulating? Benefits of the community college – university connection: shared facilities, equipment, staff & vision.